Andy Montoya
Cheddar cheese is a hard, sharp-tasting cheese that originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset, England. It is the most popular cheese in the UK and the second most popular in the US. American cheese, on the other hand, is a processed cheese made from a blend of Colby and Cheddar cheeses, along with other ingredients. It was first created by James L. Kraft in the 1910s and has since become a common choice for sandwiches and other dishes due to its versatility and meltable texture. While American cheese is a convenient and affordable option, it lacks the robust flavour of traditional Cheddar cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Processed cheese |
| Main ingredients | Cheddar, Colby, or similar cheeses, in conjunction with sodium citrate |
| Texture | Smooth, creamy, and meltable |
| Flavor | Mild, salty, and seasoned with annatto |
| Color | Yellow or white |
| Consistency | Medium-firm |
| Melting point | Low |
| Common uses | Sandwiches, cheeseburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and cheese dips |
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What You'll Learn
American cheese is a blend of Colby and cheddar
Colby cheese, which is similar to cheddar, was also invented in Wisconsin in 1874. It is named after the small town in north-central Wisconsin where it was developed. Unlike cheddar, Colby does not undergo the "cheddaring" process, resulting in a softer, milder cheese. Both Colby and cheddar are naturally coloured with annatto, giving them their distinctive orange hue.
American cheese is made by grinding traditional cheese, combining it with emulsifying agents and other ingredients, and then heating the mixture until it forms a homogeneous mass. An important additive at this stage is sodium citrate, which prevents the cheese fats from separating during pasteurisation. The pasteurised cheese mixture is then heated to a minimum of 150 °F (66 °C) for at least 30 seconds.
The composition of processed American cheese is strictly controlled, with regulations governing the percentage of milk fat, moisture, salt, and pH value in the final product. The manufacturing process for American cheese differs from that of traditional cheeses, and federal laws mandate that it be labelled as "pasteurised process American cheese" if made from more than one type of cheese. This processed cheese is also required to be entirely cheese, except for a small proportion of permitted additives.
American cheese is a popular choice for sandwiches and burgers due to its versatility and meltability. It is also used in grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and cheese dips. While it has a milder flavour than cheddar, various cheeses can be added to enhance its taste.
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Cheddar is a hard, sharp-tasting cheese
The sharp flavour of cheddar is influenced by several factors, including the ageing process, the type of milk used, and the addition of flavourings. The longer the cheese is aged, the sharper the flavour becomes. The type of milk used, such as fat or non-fat milk, also affects the sharpness and overall taste of the cheese. Additionally, flavourings like herbs and spices can be added to enhance the sharpness or create unique variations, such as vegan cheddar or flavoured cheddar.
The texture of cheddar cheese can vary from smooth to slightly crumbly, depending on the ageing process and the specific type of cheddar. The ageing process also contributes to the formation of calcium lactate crystals on the surface of the cheese, which are safe for consumption and add to the unique texture of aged cheddar.
Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient used in a wide variety of recipes. Its sharp taste and crumbly texture make it a popular choice for sandwiches, snacks, and various dishes. It can be melted, shredded, or used as an adhesive layer, as in the case of cheeseburgers. The sharpness of cheddar adds a distinct flavour to dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and cheese dips.
When compared to other cheeses, cheddar stands out for its sharp taste and hard texture. American cheese, for example, is a processed cheese made from a blend of cheddar and Colby cheeses, resulting in a smoother and creamier texture. American cheese is typically milder in flavour, although additional cheeses can be added to enhance its taste. In contrast, cheddar has a more robust and complex flavour profile due to its natural ageing process and the use of cow's milk.
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American cheese is a processed cheese
The processed cheese was invented in the 1910s by James L. Kraft, founder of Kraft Foods Inc., who obtained a patent for his manufacturing process in 1916. Kraft began marketing his product in the late 1910s. The process involves grinding traditional cheese, combining it with emulsifying agents and other ingredients, and heating it until it forms a homogeneous mixture. The cheese mixture is then heated to a minimum of 150 °F (66 °C) for at least 30 seconds during pasteurization.
American cheese is typically packaged in individually wrapped slices, sold as 'singles', or in unwrapped slices stacked together, or as unsliced blocks. Blocks of American cheese are more similar to traditional cheese and are sliced to order at deli counters. It is a common choice for sandwiches and is recognized for its smooth and meltable texture, making it a reliable cooking ingredient for dishes like cheeseburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and cheese dips.
American cheese is often substituted for cheddar or Swiss cheese to add more flavor to a dish. It pairs well with a variety of meats and other ingredients. It is also used in the classic Philly cheesesteak, which combines thinly sliced beef, onions, and cheese on a long roll.
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Cheddar is a natural cheese
Cheddar cheese is made with cow's milk. After heating, the curd is kneaded with salt, cut into cubes to drain the whey, then stacked and turned. It is then matured at a constant temperature, often in caves, for 3 to 18 months. The longer the cheese is matured, the harder and sharper-tasting it becomes.
Cheddar is the most popular cheese in the UK and the second most popular in the US. It is used in a wide variety of recipes and is very versatile.
American cheese, on the other hand, is a processed cheese made from a blend of cheddar, Colby, or similar cheeses, along with other ingredients like milk, whey, whey proteins, food colouring, flavourings, emulsifiers, and salt. It was invented in the 1910s by James L. Kraft, the founder of Kraft Foods Inc., who obtained a patent for his manufacturing process in 1916. American cheese has a smooth, creamy texture and a mild, salty flavour. It is commonly used in dishes such as hamburgers, grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, and cheese dips.
While American cheese is a blend that includes cheddar, it is important to note that the two types of cheese have distinct differences in terms of taste, texture, and production methods. Cheddar is a natural, hard cheese with a sharp flavour, while American cheese is a processed, creamy cheese with a mild flavour.
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American cheese is a common choice for sandwiches
American cheese is a type of processed cheese, typically made from a blend of cheddar, Colby, or similar cheeses, along with other ingredients like sodium citrate. This manufacturing process, developed by James L. Kraft in the 1910s, gives American cheese its distinct characteristics. It has a mild, creamy flavour, a medium-firm consistency, and a low melting point.
While American cheese is a popular choice for sandwiches, it is also worth noting that there are different types of American cheese available. Blocks of American cheese, for instance, are more similar to traditional cheese and are sliced to order at deli counters. These blocks tend to be more comparable to traditional cheddar cheese in terms of texture and flavour.
Cheddar cheese, which is often used as an ingredient in American cheese, has a rich history. Originating from the English village of Cheddar in Somerset, cheddar cheese has been produced in that region since at least the 12th century. Over time, the name "West Country Farmhouse Cheddar" became protected, designating cheddar produced from local milk within Somerset and nearby counties using traditional methods. Cheddar cheese is typically a hard, sharp-tasting cheese with a natural colour ranging from pale yellow to off-white. It is slightly crumbly and is often matured in caves to develop its distinct flavour and texture.
In conclusion, American cheese is a popular choice for sandwiches due to its versatility, meltability, and mild flavour. Its processed nature and blend of cheeses, including cheddar, make it a unique and convenient option for sandwich lovers. However, for those seeking a more traditional cheese experience, blocks of American cheese or cheddar cheese itself can offer a different texture and flavour profile.
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Frequently asked questions
American cheese is a blend of Colby and cheddar cheese. It was first made by James L. Kraft in the 1910s by combining processed cheddar with sodium citrate to prevent separation during pasteurization.
Cheddar cheese is a hard, sharp-tasting cheese with a natural color ranging from pale yellow to off-white. It is made with cow's milk and matured in a constant-temperature environment for 3 to 18 months. On the other hand, American cheese is a processed cheese with a smooth and creamy texture and a mild flavor. It is made with milk, whey, milk and whey proteins, food coloring, flavorings, emulsifiers, and salt.
The roots of American cheesemaking lie in Europe, brought over by the first immigrants. English immigrants, in particular, brought their traditional cheesemaking techniques, including the process for making cheddar, which became known as the original American cheese.
Yes, you can substitute cheddar cheese with American cheese or Swiss cheese if you want to add more flavor. Other alternatives include Colby, Cheshire, or Red Leicester, which is similar to cheddar but with added annatto for a sweet and nutty flavor and an orange color.
